The country’s latest communication satellite GSAT-31 became the third successful mission by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) this year, as it was successfully launched from French Guiana on Wednesday morning.

The satellite was placed into the orbit within 42 minutes of its launch from Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, at 02:31 am (IST).

“It gives me great pleasure on the successful launch of GSAT-31 spacecraft on board Ariane-5, this is the third mission for ISRO in 2019,” Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) of ISRO S Pandian said after the launch.

GSAT-31 is India’s 40th communication satellite which will replace the InSAT satellite.

Features of GSAT-31

Weighing about 2,535 kg, the satellite will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. It will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit, the space agency said.

“GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and coverage. It will provide communication services to Indian mainland and island,” ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan said.

Spacecraft Power: 4.7 kW
Launch Mass: 2,536 kg
Orbit Type: GTO
Payload: Ku-band transponders
Coverage area: Indian mainland and island
Mission life: 15 years

Uses of GSAT-31

It will be used for supporting VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services, cellular back haul connectivity and many such applications, as it provides wide beam coverage to facilitate communication over large oceanic region, using a wide band transponder. 

GSAT-30 will be the next geostationary satellite to be lofted by Arianespace Since the launch of India’s APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 23 satellites and signed 24 launch contracts with the Indian space agency, the European launch services provider said.

“Arianespace is honoured ISRO has entrusted Ariane 5 for two launches back-to-back, with the last Ariane 5 of 2018 launching GSAT-11, and today the first one of the year 2019, which orbited GSAT-31,” said Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel.

ISRO